Laparoscopic surgery of a presacral epidermoid cyst: A case report

The best approach for resecting epidermoid cysts is still controversial. We describe a case of an epidermoid cyst in which laparoscopic resection was performed successfully.

63 × 55-mm well-defined cystic mass was incidentally detected by computed tomography in the presacral cavity of a 50-year-old woman during evaluation for upper abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic tumor with a low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and, high signal on T2-weighted images in the left dorsal side of the rectum. This tumor was diagnosed as a developmental cyst, and laparoscopic resection was performed. Resection of the tumor was performed with negative margins. This tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as an epidermoid cyst. There was no evidence of malignancy, and no postoperative event or signs of recurrence occurred 6 months postoperatively.

In our patient, there was no difficulty in the field of view and forceps operability during laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, it is possible to perform laparoscopic surgery with minimal damage to the muscles, nerves, and rectum, leading to the preservation of anal function.

Laparoscopic resection of an epidermoid cyst may be a better option in carefully selected cases with consideration of the tumor size and location.